The Word of God Spreading Through Small Groups

Back in America

It will be a surprise to hear that we are now on American soil instead of Ukrainian soil! On our way to Ukraine, we got news that one of our rentals had a major issue with the roof and A/C unit, causing water to enter the house. The estimate we got to fix it was over $15,000, and the workers were booked out for two to three weeks. Water from the heavy rains was entering the house, and mold would begin to grow if not addressed immediately. So when we landed in Barcelona, Spain, we were going to continue the journey to Romania, then drive into Ukraine. But instead, we got on a plane back to Redding, California. We’ve been working hard (mostly Brian) and are almost done with the repairs now.

Interestingly, we are also now receiving news from our friends in Ukraine that their “safe” city and other areas in the “safe” western side of the country are now being bombed. Please keep our missionary friends, John and Tawnya Lynch and family, in your prayers. Last night, a bomb landed just 7 minutes' walking distance from their house. Today, they have been huddling in their hallway till the bombs stop. We had planned three schools together – in the cities of Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.  Tawnya just reported that Kyiv just got bombed heavily last night as well - many died. We grieve with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine - we’ve been there before and know many of them. God is doing a mighty work in spite of the evil works of the enemy. MANY are coming to Christ. Please keep these new believers in your prayers, as well as those God is calling to start new churches. Brian found a round-trip ticket for the same price as a one-way ticket from Barcelona to San Francisco, back to Barcelona, on October 7^th.  (For some reason, that date was cheap!) Please keep our team and us in Ukraine in prayer as we adjust to the changes and possibly make a plan for October together.

Mozambican News

We’re excited to share with you an additional discipleship program we’re doing in Mozambique! As you know, we have been sending out seminar teaching teams with our booklets for many years, bringing together churches and leaders throughout 7 provinces for encouragement and strengthening. Lately, we’ve felt led to take this wider and deeper by encouraging all the district pastors to organize small group fellowships in their churches. In these groups, they will use our newly revised booklets, which now include discussion questions at the end of each chapter. This concept is new to them, so please pray with us that the Holy Spirit will help them experience beautiful, meaningful fellowship and growth as they discuss and apply the content in these discipleship booklets together.

This undertaking is huge, and not everyone will take hold of it, but we want to give an example by showing you what God is doing in the district of Molumbu, Zambezia province. Last month, Pastor Samuel worked with the pastors there to form small groups and gather all the leaders for a training session on our Foundations 1A booklet. Zambezia has 22 districts, one of which is Molumbo. In Molumbo, there are 28 churches, with a total of 396 small groups, each approximately 10 people. Yesterday I spoke with Pastor Samuel about how these groups were doing. He said they are active and gathering every Saturday, and some are also using the books for evangelism! We know the Word of God is powerful and doesn’t return void. Please pray with us that these seeds fall on fertile soil and future leaders continue to form and rise up as the Kingdom of God grows in Mozambique.

Ministry Through Writing

Interestingly, God has been leading us more and more toward reaching people through writing. We are still open to going through any doors he opens for us to travel and teach, but at the same time, we are very focused on a collection of books we (mostly Brian) have written and are in the process of writing. Soon we will have Transforming Lives Publishing up and running, which will include all our written discipleship materials, Brian’s novels (2 more soon to be released), a biography of Lorena’s missionary grandparents with thought-provoking devotionals, a practical and unique study on the Kingdom of God, a booklet for overburdened pastors, and more.

Sometimes these writings open up even more doors. Two nights ago, Brian taught in a Zoom meeting with several hundred pastors in India.  Due to increasing persecution, pastors in the rural areas no longer have the luxury of safely gathering together in large groups. Though it’s illegal, persecution in these areas is not monitored by the government. Yet 70% of the population lives outside the big cities. A few months ago, we visited many churches and were welcomed into a new and thriving online fellowship of pastors. It was the leader of this group of over 700 pastors who asked Brian to teach on the main message of his new book,
Sometimes these writings open up even more doors. Two nights ago, Brian taught in a Zoom meeting with several hundred pastors in India.  Due to increasing persecution, pastors in the rural areas no longer have the luxury of safely gathering together in large groups. Though it’s illegal, persecution in these areas is not monitored by the government. Yet 70% of the population lives outside the big cities. A few months ago, we visited many churches and were welcomed into a new and thriving online fellowship of pastors. It was the leader of this group of over 700 pastors who asked Brian to teach on the main message of his new book, The Burden God Never Asked You to Carry. The discussion time after he shared revealed how ingrained the teaching had become for these pastors on thinking their value to God and others depended on how hard they worked – tirelessly 7 days a week, often on the phone with their church members till midnight, solving everyone’s problems… Please pray with us that God’s grace and truth will bring refreshing transformation to these overworked and burdened pastors.

The Homefront

We are blessed to be in America for now – enjoying our kids and grandchildren while we continue our ministry online and with writing. They are all doing well – praise the Lord!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Many Blessings,

Lorena and Brian

What are Brian and Lorena Doing?

 We are currently in the United States, but not for long. We head to Ukraine on the 18^th of this month and won’t be back till the beginning of July.

While there, we will teach at two leadership training schools, a YWAM base, minister in local churches, encourage pastors, and do some outreaches –all with our amazing missionary friends on the ground there for many years, John and Tawnya Lynch. Tawnya is Ukrainian and John grew up as a missionary kid in Russia and Ukraine, but is American. We’ve all known each other for a few years (a divine connection) and we look forward to ministering together again for the 3^rd time.

One remarkable thing about Ukraine right now: even in the middle of a war, pastors are asking how they can plant more churches. Apparently, missiles and drone strikes have not convinced them that the gospel should slow down. Their courage and faith are deeply inspiring. Our role will simply be to encourage these leaders, share practical teaching, and strengthen the church during a very difficult season. Please pray for our protection along with the Lynch family, more salvations, and encouragement and safety for our brothers and sisters in this difficult season.

Our time in the United States has been productive.

I recently finished writing a book for India, which is now in the final editing stages in Hindi.

 

The book grew out of the leadership training we did this past November and December there, addressing a very real problem. Many pastors in India work every day, from morning to night, trying to handle the whole ministry by themselves. Sometimes their families and marriages quietly and sadly pay the price. The book's message is simple: trust God, train others, and build teams so the work can grow in a healthy way.  One national leader, after hearing the teaching with his gathered local pastors one evening, urged me to put it into writing so he could distribute it throughout India. The pastors that night said they had never heard these teachings on rest and trust before but felt so relieved to hear that it was God’s idea! We’ll be able to make it available to them on Amazon India on Kindle for just 50 cents each, our cost, and a little more if printed. Please pray that this spreads and restores many burnt-out pastors.

Jesus never said ministry was supposed to crush us. In fact, He said the opposite:

“My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

Somehow, over the years, many pastors end up carrying a burden Jesus never asked them to carry. This book tries to point them back to His way—serving from grace rather than exhaustion.

Psalm 127:1–2, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—
for He grants sleep to those He loves.”

We rest in His care, knowing that God not only provides for those who trust Him but even gives peaceful sleep to those He loves.

While in the States, we are also finishing up two booklets for our seminar ministry in Mozambique, which will continue to help train and disciple the churches there. More exciting news about that later…

If you did not get on our WhatsApp group for our 5 weeks in India with continual prayer requests, testimonies, updates, videos, and photos, but would like to be on it for this trip in Ukraine for 2 months, let us know. You will need to download the WhatsApp app for free and tell us your name and number associated with it.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support! And feel free to drop us a line! J

 

Lots of love,

Brian and Lorena Wood
Transforming Lives Ministry

Transforminglivesministry.org

 

 

BIG NEWS! I have a debut fiction novel, Accidental Superheroes.

BIG NEWS!

My debut fiction novel, Accidental Superheroes, is now live on Audible, Kindle & in print!

Superheroes, Action, Romance, and Spiritual Truths

Accidental Superheroes (Accidental Heroes Book 1)

To find it on Amazon, make sure to type in Accidental Superheroes and Brian Wood. The AUDIBLE version is read by professional narrator Kevin Clay.

When an alien spacecraft crashes near a university, two ordinary student-athletes, Bill and Greg, are caught in the chaos of a freak accident. They survive, but survival comes at a cost. Something from the wreckage has changed them, sharpening their minds, accelerating their recovery, and making them targets in a global struggle of power, surveillance, and secrets.

Determined to use their new abilities for good, Bill and Greg set out to develop world-changing technologies—clean energy systems and self-sustaining infrastructure to help the forgotten corners of the world. Their rise, however, draws dangerous attention — a rogue government faction will stop at nothing to seize control of their work.

At its core, this story tackles not just alien nanotech and global conspiracies, but the deeper questions of faith, forgiveness, redemption, and what love really looks like when it’s messy, sacrificial, and undeserved.

Enjoy! (All profits to go to Transforming Lives Ministry)

Strengthening the Church in 2025

Your prayers have prepared the way. Every seminar held, every Bible distributed, and every life touched carries the imprint of your intercession. 

Thank you for your prayers!

 

Why 65% of Christians in Thailand Didn’t Grow Up in Christian Homes

Lorena and I are excited to be helping again, for the fifth time, with an Evangelism School run by Spirit of Revival Ministries in Thailand.  This is opening for the first time in the northern region of Chiang Mai. (The former ones were in Bangkok.) This region, home to many of Thailand’s tribal communities, has shown a growing openness to the gospel. Only 1.3% of Thailand’s people know Jesus and 65% of them didn’t grow up in Christian homes. They heard about Him because someone shared. In the U.S., only 4.2% of Christians come from non-Christian families. That’s why evangelism is so important here in Thailand.

Over the next five weeks, we will be helping to equip approximately fifty men and women who have generously donated their time and money to receive training. Some of these are even pastors who want to know more about the Holy Spirit and move in the gifts.

Lorena: “In prayer with my intercessors' group recently, I and some others saw similar visions of what God is doing with these students. We saw them as sparks after graduation, fanning out like fireworks – some back to where they came from, others to new places. They will ignite those around them with the fire of the Holy Spirit, bringing light to the unsaved and causing those who already know Him to shine even brighter with His glory and power.

We’re just in the second week of school (our first week), and already, we are seeing a new level of joy and freedom among the students. Some were traumatized by the earthquake a few days ago, especially one of the leaders. Her equilibrium was altered due to the shaking, and she felt sick ever since the quake.  But yesterday she received complete healing and is now able to function well! God is good!  This school includes many outreaches, some local, some farther away. Next week, we will return to Omkoi, where hundreds of youths will gather for two days of revival meetings with us. They are hungry to know God in a deeper, intimate, and powerful way.  

Please keep us, the staff, and the students in prayer as we teach, encourage, and pour into these students. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.”

In 2 Timothy 2:2, we read, “And the things you have heard me say, in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” This verse highlights the importance of passing on what we've learned to others who will continue the work.

Thank you for your friendship, prayers, and support. You are in our thoughts and prayers as well.

Video Links and Testimonies from Okinawa

Last Sunday - January 5th, 2025

Teaching at Okinawa Grace Church - How to enter, stay, and live in the presence of God this new year of 2025.

The Holy Spirit touched so many - His presence so beautiful in our midst. What an honor to serve our Lord.

Atsiko, our translator on the left, pastors of Okinawa Grace Church on the right.

Here are two links to our teaching sessions on Exodus 33: "If You Don’t Go With Me, I’m Not Going!"

Following the sessions, you’ll find direct testimonies translated and shared by our translator, Atsuko. In the translations, all of us are referred to as "Pastor," reflecting the Japanese cultural tradition of using formal titles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLdPE8H0tk8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrX2ktNIVoY

Testimony from Hitomi Ikehara

The first Sunday service of the new year was a wonderful message and prayer as expected!

I hope you I will continue to have a good time in the presence of the Lord and see the Lord solve the difficulties as I walk with Him.

"While the pastors were praying, I felt that the stiffness in my shoulders was healed."

Thank you Lord for leading Pastor Brian, Pastor Lorena, and Pastor Atsuko to Grace Worship Church. 

I wish you all the best!

Testimony Pastor Masato 

It was a wonderful time to celebrate. "I was grateful that Pastor Brian and Pastor Lorena guided us through the message and mini-stories related to the theme of our church for 2025. "

It was also a blessing to have such amazing joy as people were touched by the Lord. *I am not the type of person who experiences joy, but it is a blessing to receive prayers and to see the peace of the Lord and the people being touched.

"I wasn't feeling well due to a cold but I was grateful . It was a learning experience that I let go and left it all to the pastors”.

The message is also about "presence of God” 

Indeed, we cannot move forward without the presence of the Lord. To be a friend of God… 

I think it was a prophetic message that Grace Worship Church needed, including myself.

Testimony Pastor Akiko

I would like to thank the special New Year guests that God has led us to our church.

I was encouraged and encouraged by the same message that I shared with several sisters in church saying the same things (staying in God's love, becoming God's friend).

In 2025, I want to seek God's rest as much as I can, even if my busyness remains the same.

I felt that if I was too busy that I won’t stop to love and care for myself, I would not be able to love my neighbors either.

I'm going to stop trying too hard and relax.

Always remember the mercy and kindness of the Lord, and I believe that this year will be a year when relationships with family and neighbors will recover more deeply than ever before.

It is a year when the Lord leads us to love just as he loved those around him until the end

Testimony Tamami

It was inspired that the three pastors were filled with joy.

I think it was a time full of love and joy.

While the pastors were praying for me, I received encouragement that 

"God doesn't show you everything all at once”.

The words pierced my heart deeply.

Let's just reach out for God's presence ! 

I say yes to that! 

To God's immeasurable love

Thank you

Testimony Sayaka

Thank you for yesterday's wonderful New Year's service ✞✨

I was so grateful that I was surrounded by God's great and strong love that my worries started to look small, and that I was safe because the Lord was with me ✞✨

✞ in the presence of the Lord

Glory to God!

Testimony Caleb 

Thank you for yesterday's New Year's service!

My anxiety about the New Year has disappeared and peace has filled me.

"When the three pastors prayed for me, I felt the power of God very strongly and I felt comfortable and grateful when they said that I could accept it more by relaxing and not being nervous."

I myself want to deepen my relationship with God this year.

Testimony Etsuko

May the Lord’s Wonderful Name be praised!

I praise you Lord ❣

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ✨

I was even more encouraged by the correlation of the message with this year's church’s theme for 2025. Thank you very much ✨

This time, I asked three pastors to pray for healing.

"Since 1/3 ( January 3rd) of this year, I had symptoms of discomfort in my left chest (around my heart), and my husband and I prayed together, and the symptoms disappeared the next morning (1/4), so I thanked God  for their quick healing, and gave glory to the Lord." Since that afternoon, the same symptoms have occurred again, and my husband and I prayed together and thanked the Lord for relieving the symptoms. Then we had church on 1/5. Through three pastors, I expected the Lord to move and heal. Through the prayer, I was got a warm feeling, peace of mind and peace at heart♥

I sometimes have symptoms but 

There is no anxiety or worry.

The Lord is full of peace.

All glory to God!

Testimony from Yurino

When the three pastors prayed for me,

When I was touched by God's love, I felt like I was being swept away. I was crying because of the accumulation of things , and emotions I had been holding back.

When I'm weak, God is strong

I thought why not , talk to Him and  tell God everything.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

We hope you are enjoying this season and reflecting on the astounding plan of God to send Jesus to be born as baby boy so we could be reunited with Him now and forever!

So great to celebrate Christmas in Japan with our daughter Danielle, Cody, and our grandson Asher.

Lorena teaching the children English with Bible stories in East Timor

We recently spent a month in Timor-Leste, a small, independent, and economically challenged country nestled among the Indonesian islands. Due to religious persecution, many missionaries share the Gospel and discipleship through humanitarian aid and education. God is moving powerfully, especially among the youth. We were privileged to pray with many in the international, nondenominational church and witness Jesus heal numerous beautiful people. This display of God's glory and power was exciting and new for many of them. Truly, God is good!

From Timor-Leste, we journeyed to the Philippines, where we were blessed to engage in meaningful fellowship and ministry. Our time was enriched through our involvement with Kids International Ministry and Iris Global, alongside our dear missionary friends, Gene and Teissa Nicole.

 Brian is delivering a message to the congregation 

at a church in Manila.

We are honored to be pictured alongside the 

dedicated leaders of that church.

Moments captured during an outreach at a government free clinic in 

Manila, where lives were powerfully touched by the Lord. 

While Brian taught the men, Teissa and Lorena were invited to minister to this group of  pastors and pastors' wives at the end of their retreat. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully with refreshment, encouragement, and different types of healing. What a wonderful God we serve! 

Having fun proclaiming the gospel on the streets in the Philippines.

Onlookers watch and listen to the Gospel message